Visual inspection before tests

A visual inspection of the gear involved must be conducted and any visibly defective gear must be replaced or repaired before the test proceeds. See 1919.26.

• This is a prerequisite step to any test under Subpart E.
• The inspection requirement also directs you to follow the related provisions in 1919.15(d) for repair, replacement, or other handling of the gear.

The employer must ensure the inspection is performed by a person who can identify visible defects and take appropriate action; typically this is a competent person designated by the employer. See 1919.26 and the OSHA interpretation about competent persons in Part 1919 at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26.

• The April 26, 1977 letter explains that the employer assigns or approves a "competent person" and that person must be capable of recognizing hazards and authorized to correct them.
• If repairs or removal from service are needed, the competent person should ensure those actions meet the requirements of 1919.15(d).

Visibly defective gear includes any observable damage or condition that could reduce the safe strength or function of the item and must be repaired or replaced before testing. See 1919.26.

Common examples:

• Cracked, bent, or deformed hooks or links

• Broken, crushed, or heavily corroded chain links

• Frayed, cut, or bird-caged wire rope strands

• Missing or distorted safety latches or pins

• Severe pitting or corrosion that reduces cross-section

• When in doubt about a condition, follow the procedures in 1919.15(d) and consult a competent person.

Any visibly defective gear must be repaired or replaced before the test can be carried out. See 1919.26.

• Repairs or replacements must follow the requirements and procedures in 1919.15(d).
• If repair is chosen, make sure the repair restores the gear to a safe, serviceable condition and is performed by a qualified person.

Section 1919.26 itself requires the inspection and repair/replacement of visibly defective gear but does not, by its text, prescribe a written record-keeping requirement for that visual inspection. See 1919.26.

• Other provisions in Part 1919, including 1919.15, may contain documentation or certification requirements for tests and gear certification; consult 1919.15(d) to determine if written records are required for a particular repair, test, or certification activity.
• Even if not explicitly required by 1919.26, keeping a short inspection log is a good practice to show the inspection was performed and defects corrected before testing.

No — a visual inspection is a required pre-test check but does not substitute for the actual tests or proof loads required elsewhere in Part 1919. See 1919.26 and the broader gear certification requirements in 1919.15.

• The inspection helps identify obvious defects so that items tested are not unsafe because of visible damage.
• Tests such as proof-loads evaluate strength and performance and remain necessary where the standards call for them.

For the requirement in 1919.26, a visual inspection must be done before any test under Subpart E is carried out. See 1919.26.

• 1919.26 specifies only the pre-test inspection frequency.
• For additional inspection intervals (e.g., before use, periodic checks), refer to other applicable sections of Part 1919 such as 1919.15 and the procedures in 1919.15(d).

Visibly defective gear may be repaired on site if the repair restores the gear to a safe condition and is done in accordance with the applicable requirements (including 1919.15(d)). See 1919.26.

• Any repair must be performed by a person or organization qualified to make that repair and must restore the gear to the necessary strength and serviceability.
• If the repair cannot reliably restore safe condition on site, the gear should be removed from service and repaired by a qualified shop or replaced.

No — the inspection required by 1919.26 is a visual inspection to find visibly defective gear and does not by itself require NDT. See 1919.26.

• NDT may be appropriate or required in other provisions of Part 1919 or under specific testing/certification procedures in 1919.15, but the pre-test check called for in 1919.26 is visual.
• If visual inspection suggests hidden defects, a competent person may require further evaluation such as NDT before testing or return to service.

The employer is responsible for ensuring the visual inspection is performed and that visibly defective gear is repaired or replaced before tests. See 1919.26 and the OSHA interpretation on competent persons at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26.

• The employer should designate a competent person to do or supervise inspections and corrective actions.
• The employer must also ensure compliance with related provisions in 1919.15(d).

Minor surface rust or paint loss that does not affect the gear’s structural integrity may not prevent testing, but any condition that is a visible defect must be repaired or the gear replaced before testing. See 1919.26.

• A competent person should judge whether corrosion is superficial or has reduced cross-section or strength; if the latter, the item must be repaired or replaced per 1919.15(d).
• When in doubt about safety, do not proceed with testing until the item is cleared by a qualified evaluator.

"Gear involved" refers to the lifting, supporting, or test-related gear that will be used during the Subpart E test—examples include slings, hooks, chains, wire rope, shackles, spreader bars, and other rigging or load-handling devices. See 1919.26 and the broader equipment/certification context of 1919.15.

• Any item that will carry load or be part of the test assembly should be visually inspected before the test.
• If an item is visibly defective, it must be repaired or replaced prior to test as required by 1919.26.

Replacement parts must restore the gear to a safe, serviceable condition and comply with the applicable requirements referenced in Part 1919, including 1919.15(d). See 1919.26.

• In practice that means using parts and repair methods that do not reduce rated capacity or safe function; follow manufacturer guidance or equivalent engineering standards when replacing components.
• A competent person should verify that the repaired or replaced component returns the gear to a safe condition before testing.

No federal certification is mandated by 1919.26; the employer assigns or approves a competent person who is capable of identifying defects and authorized to take corrective action. See 1919.26 and the OSHA interpretation on competent persons at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26.

• The April 26, 1977 letter explains that a "competent person" is designated by the employer and must be capable of identifying hazards and authorized to correct them.
• Employers should document the training or experience that makes the person competent for inspection and repair oversight.